01/09/2002 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board January 9, 2002 Page 25 APPROVED MINUTES there are cracks in the road which water flows up through, which means there is a great deal of water under the road. Mr. Corson stated the quality of life in Lino Lakes must be considered. He did not support the notion of allowing the clearing of an island with mature vegetation simply out of fear of litigation. He stated the property currently has potential use as currently zoned and he felt seven homes would be too many on a small island. Mr. Lyden asked Mr. Corson how the proposed development would affect him. Mr. Corson stated the development would result in the loss of trees and a view of a bridge from his house, as well as have an impact on the neighborhood children. Mr. Lyden noted the neighborhood would likely deal with construction traffic for at least two years. Mr. Corson agreed this was the assumption. Mr. Lyden questioned whether Mr. Corson could vote on the proposed development or if this would be a conflict of interest. Mr. Corson stated the Board has been consistent in voting on all applications regardless of its location providing there is no personal gain or interest on the part of a Board member. Mr. Rafferty stated he appreciated the concer ns expressed by the residents, such as the concern for construction traffic. He stated he lives in the current Pheasant Hills development and has two children ages nine and seven. He indicated his house is located on a cul-de-sac and the school bus has a difficult time turning around, although his cul- de-sac has a center island, which makes maneuvering more difficult. Mr. Rafferty felt that Mr. Vaughan did an exceptional job with the development of Pheasant Hills and had paid a great deal of respect to the neighborhood and the environment. He did not believe there was any clear way of salvaging all the vegetation on the island when developed. He added that his property value has increased significantly since he purchased his home. Mr. Rafferty stated he has visited the island and found the neighborhood to be quiet and to contain a number of children. He stated he was not concerned that the proposed development would devalue the existing property values and he did see an opportunity for the applicant to develop seven lots on the island. Regarding the concern expressed by the Department of Natural Resources for the elimination of vegetative growth, he noted when the applicant developed Pheasant Hills it was felt he had preserved too much of the existing vegetation. Mr. Rafferty was not certain what the right decision is in this case. He agreed the applicant has the right to develop his property, however, he agreed with the concerns regarding construction traffic and the impact on the neighborhood by the construction of the bridge. Mr. Rafferty stated he knows Mr. Vaughan and had, as a concerned citizen, sat through the condemnation proceedings where Mr. Vaughan lost a great deal of land. He stated he